Old Aylmer house to be demolished and replaced with new building

Sophie Demers 

Gatineau’s Demolition Request Committee (CDD) approved the demolition of the vacant two-storey single family house located at 12 Metcalfe Street. According to evaluations submitted by the demolition request application, the home is in a state of advanced disrepair and would cost approximately $175,000 to restore. City documents indicate that the house is valued at $158,600 while the property is worth $182,800. 

The current building’s foundation is cracked; the building is poorly insulated; the exterior wall and roof are deteriorated; the interior is equally deteriorated; and, the deterioration is leading to water entering the home. 

The house is located in Old Aylmer and was built between the late 19th and early 20th century, likely before 1903. It is included in Gatineau’s built heritage list (2008) as having “potential heritage interest”. The applicant submitted a study of the building heritage which states it has low heritage value. The Service de l'urbanisme et du développement durable (SUDD) affirms that the house has low heritage value and supports the demolition. 

The plans for the new building after demolition include a two-storey residential building with four units. The planned construction for the site will have to be approved by the council. 

Photo caption 1: Current vacant building located at 12 Metcalfe facing demolition

Photo credit: Sophie Demers 

Photo caption 2: Land reuse plan for 12 Metcalfe, two-storey residential building that includes four units

Photo credit: City of Gatineau